ENT questions with correct answers

19 year old Caucasian woman with 2 day history of left-sided earache. Pain has worsened acutely over last 24 hours, describes some seepage from ear. Over past few weeks left ear has felt blocked and has been using cotton buds to clean them. Hearing is not impaired, afebrile. Pain is worsened on superior movement of the auricle. Scanty discharge emerging from left ear. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? a. Acute otitis externa b. Chronic otitis externa c. Acute otitis media d. Mastoiditis e. Chronic otitis media - Answer a ACUTE OTITIS EXTERNA Inflammation of outer ear canal, common in swimmer's and people who regularly use cotton buds in their ears. Overriding feature is pain, worsened by superior movement of the pinna. Signs may be minimal, dx easily missed. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for patient with acute otitis externa? a. Discharge with advice to stop using cotton buds. b. Discharge with combination of acidifying and antibiotic ear drops c. Discharge with oral analgesia